Tanzania Targets Nearly 1 Trillion Shillings in Tourism Revenue for 2024/2025

DODOMA, Tanzania – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has unveiled a revenue target of 968.8 billion Tanzanian shillings (bn/-) for the 2024/2025 financial year, Minister Angellah Kairuki announced in Parliament on Friday. This ambitious goal is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the country's tourism sector.

Minister Kairuki, presenting the ministry's budget estimates, requested legislative approval for 348.13bn/- in recurrent and development expenditures. The budget will focus on eight key priority areas aimed at increasing tourist arrivals and boosting revenue.

Central to these efforts is an intensified marketing campaign promoting Tanzania's tourist destinations both domestically and internationally. The campaign will leverage high-visibility platforms such as major football championships, international festivals, and global media outlets. Additionally, the ministry plans to develop strategic tourism products, including historical sites, beach tourism, conference and events tourism, sports tourism, and more.

Security and conservation are also high on the agenda. The ministry will invest in strengthening the protection of wildlife, forests, and historical sites. Plans include employing 850 new conservation officers and constructing 10 new conservation centers across various districts. Technological tools, including drones and GPS satellite collars, will be acquired to enhance wildlife monitoring and protection.

In anticipation of a 6.5% increase in tourist arrivals, bringing the total to 1.95 million visitors, the ministry will enhance electronic revenue collection systems by installing 30 smart gates in eight national parks.

However, some MPs expressed concerns over the budget distribution, particularly the allocation of 19bn/- for development projects versus other charges. They argued that more funds should be directed towards infrastructure and essential social services to address pressing needs.

The ministry is also looking to boost tourism through sports, leveraging popular leagues and competitions to attract more visitors. Partnerships with major airlines and participation in global tourism events are expected to further enhance Tanzania's profile as a prime tourist destination.

Recent initiatives, such as a tennis tournament in Serengeti National Park featuring veteran tennis player John McEnroe, have already yielded positive results. These efforts have significantly increased tourism revenue, which rose from 1.3 billion US dollars in 2021 to 3.4 billion in 2023.

Despite accounting for 21.5% of the national GDP and employing approximately 3.6 million people, the tourism sector continues to expand, promising substantial contributions to Tanzania's economic development.